Concrete bridges were something of a novelty at this time, and a steel bridge might have been less expensive to erect. But arches had long been considered an attractive form, and this bridge was, without a doubt, intended to be a monument signifying that Houston had arrived as a major center of commerce and transportation. The huge concrete arches clearly made that statement.

And a statement it made. When it opened, it was the largest single-arch concrete span in the state.

One thing to point out are the businesses on the north side of the bayou. The James Bute you see here is indeed connected with the park on the northeast side of downtown that now bears his name. Beyond that is part of the American Brewing Association complex owned by Adolphus Busch. Around the time of its opening in the early 1890s, Busch claimed it was the largest brewery in Texas.